Goose Island Bourbon County Stout: The Ultimate Craft Beer Experience

Explore the rich history and innovative creations that have cemented Goose Island's legacy in the craft beer industry, all through Uncork It! located at 393 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611.

Goose Island Beer’s History

Founded in 1988 in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, Goose Island Beer Company is the oldest currently operating brewery in Illinois, named after a nearby island frequented by geese. The company quickly expanded, opening a larger production brewery in 1995 and a second brewpub in Wrigleyville in 1999, which closed in 2016 to make way for local development.

Goose Island's beers gained a wider audience across the United States and the United Kingdom after selling a stake to Widmer Brothers Brewery in 2006, which facilitated expansion into new markets. In 2011, the brewery entered a new chapter under the ownership of Anheuser-Busch InBev, with Greg Hall stepping down as brewmaster and Brett Porter stepping in to continue the tradition of brewing excellence.

The brewery's history is deeply influenced by John Hall's appreciation for English brewing traditions and pub culture, setting the stage for Goose Island's distinctive approach to craft beer. Today, Goose Island maintains a presence in Chicago with its Clybourn Ave brewpub, serving meals alongside an impressive beer lineup, and the original Fulton Street brewery, which features a taproom and tours.

Despite the sale of the Clybourn Avenue Brewpub to Anheuser Busch in 2016, it remains a key part of Goose Island's operations, reopening in October 2017 as Goose Island Brewhouse after renovations. Additionally, Goose Island has expanded its global footprint, operating concept locations in Toronto, São Paulo, Seoul, and Shanghai, further solidifying its status as a pioneering force in the craft beer industry.

Goose Island Bourbon County Stout

The brewery has developed a comprehensive lineup that includes a wide array of beers, seasonal releases, and notably, the Bourbon County Stout. Originating from an innovative experiment with repurposed bourbon barrels in the early 1990s, the Bourbon County Stout series has grown into a highly anticipated annual release, usually in late November.

Tasting Notes: Fudge, vanilla, and burnt sugar with a rich, decadent finish.

Pairing Suggestions: Beef, game, smoked meats, buttery cheeses, chocolate.

ABV 14.1%

Goose Island Bananas Foster Bourbon County Stout

Recognized by Em Sauter, author and Advanced Cicerone, as a standout in the series, the stout aims to encapsulate the comforting essence of freshly baked banana bread. Sauter's commentary highlights the stout's aroma, likening it to the inviting scent of banana bread, and underscores the beer's ability to merge nostalgic flavors with the craftsmanship of brewing.

Tasting Notes: Banana, almond, cassia bark, nutmeg, caramelized sugar.

Pairing Suggestions: Grilled meats, spicy dishes, brie, camembert, dark chocolate, almond cake.

ABV 13.9%

Goose Island Bourbon County Proprietor's Stout

This stout, developed by brewers Jason Krasowski and Paul Cade, is inspired by the vibrant cocktail scene of Chicago. This edition incorporates flavors of a jungle bird cocktail.

Tasting Notes: Banana, coconut, lime, and pineapple.

Pairing Suggestions: Grilled meats, spicy dishes, citrusy or fruity desserts.

ABV 14.3%

Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Angel's Envy Year Cask Finish Stout

The Goose Island Bourbon County Brand Angel's Envy Year Cask Finish Stout marks Goose Island's first venture into "Cask Finish" stouts, where the beer is aged in freshly emptied barrels that previously held Angel's Envy Kentucky straight bourbon.

Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, roasted malt, vanilla, oak, hint of coconut, toffee, and caramel.

Pairing Suggestions: Grilled steak, barbecued ribs, aged cheeses, caramel desserts, blackberry cobbler.

ABV 17%

Goose Island Reserve Bourbon County Brand Stout

For their 30th Anniversary, Goose Island celebrates with a nod to their heritage by re-releasing the Original Bourbon County Brand Stout in a limited edition 4-pack. The 2022 edition, aged in bourbon barrels from Buffalo Trace, Heaven Hill, and Wild Turkey for about 12 months, features rich flavors of

Tasting Notes: Chocolate fudge, vanilla, caramel.

Pairing Suggestions: Charcuterie, hearty stews, chili, spiced nuts, caramel, chocolate ganache.

ABV 14.1%

Try Goose Island Stout Today!

Goose Island Beer Company has grown from a local Chicago brewery into a global craft beer leader, particularly known for its innovative Bourbon County Stout series. Its commitment to innovation and global expansion underscores its pioneering role in the craft beer industry. For those looking to explore Goose Island's offerings further, Uncork It! at 393 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611, provides a selection. Visit https://uncorkitchicago.com or call (312) 321-9400 for more information.